Surveillance video of confrontation with suspect and deputy released

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - 21 News has obtained the surveillance video of a confrontation between a guard at the Mahoning County Jail and an inmate.

Two deputies are now on leave as a result of an investigation into the incident.

In the video, the sheriff's deputy can be seen repeatedly striking inmate Duniek Christian. Deputies brought Christian back to this holding cell in the basement of the courthouse following his appearance on assault charges to change back into his prison jumpsuit.

It's during that time period that the deputy can be seen inflicting the blows.

"It looks like someone, the deputy, might have lost his cool and got upset and took it out on the inmate," said David Engler, Duniek Christian's attorney.

Engler says his client suffered injuries and claims he was denied medical treatment following the incident. Engler indentified the deputy as Deputy William Horn.

"It's sort of shocking and very surprising to me, because I know the deputy," Engler said.

Deputy Horn, the deputy seen in the cell with Christian, was suspended with pay as the sheriff's office continues to investigate.

Another deputy, Kip Danks, who was standing outside the cell, has also been placed on leave. At least six other deputies who joined Danks outside the cell are being questioned.

"I was horrified when I seen the film. Somebody's going to have to pay the consequences of what happened there," Mahoning County Sheriff Randal Wellington said.

Sheriff Wellington says Deputy Horn could face an assault charge.

Meanwhile, the question remains what provoked the attack? Christian's attorney says it could be that sometimes deputies have to deal with back talk from prisoners and that could have led to the altercation.

The sheriff's office isn't commenting about a motive and the investigation continues.

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